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Liberia: Blah's Testimony Hinges On Doctor's Report
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The NEWS (Monrovia)
8 April 2008
Posted to the web 8 April 2008
Monrovia
The testimony of former Liberian President Moses Blah at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, hinges on a medical report from his doctor who will qualify him fit to testify before the Special Court.
An aide to Mr. Blah told this paper on telephone Monday that the doctor's report is essential and would determine whether the former President will honor the subpoena or not.
The aide said up to Monday the doctor has not told the former President anything concerning his health.
On Sunday, Mr. Blah informed journalists at a press conference that he was suffering from heart problem which needs regular attention.
He did not say how long the heart problem has been bothering him.
Asked whether he would say the truth if he faces his former chief, Mr. Blah said, "I swear on the Bible I will say the truth and nothing but the truth. I will not be there to testify for or against, but answer whatever questions truthfully."
Mr. Blah has been subpoenaed by the Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) to appear before it as a "fact witness" in the trial against his former chief, Charles Taylor currently taking place at Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
In a Subpoena Testificandum dated March 7, 2008 with reference number (Ref/REG/155/2008/VM), Mr. Blah, a one time Inspector General of the defunct National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), has been ordered to appear voluntarily before the SCSL next Monday, April 14, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. or show good cause why he cannot comply with this subpoena.
The subpoena placed in the hands of Mr. Blah said any willful failure on the part of the former President constitutes contempt of the Special Court pursuant to Rule 77 of the rules.
The subpoena: "Should you fail to comply, the Trial Chamber may deal with the matter summarily itself, refer the matter to the appropriate authorities of Sierra Leone or, if there are sufficient grounds to proceed against you for contempt, issue an order in lieu of an indictment and direct independent counsel to prosecute the matter," the subpoena states; adding, "If you are convicted for contempt of the Special Court you may be imprisoned for up to seven (7) years or fined up to two (2) million leones, or both."
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Mr. Blah became Vice President following the death of Enoch Dogolea in 1998. He served the NPFL as Adjutant General, Inspector General and later became Ambassador to Libya, Vice President and President of Liberia when Taylor was booted into exile in Nigeria.
I was reading your article and couldn't help but notice the mistake made on the year in which Former Vice President and President Moses Blah replaced the late Vice President Enoch Dogolea.
The late Dogolea did not died in 1998. You need to check the facts. I hope this is typographical error.
Thanks.
I feel former Liberian President Moses Blah is been forced to testify against Mr. Taylor in a manner and way that is not of his choice. Is this not a violation of his right and the beginning of an unfair trial for Mr. Taylor?
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